Drupal 10 vs Drupal 11: Key Differences and Improvements

Key Highlights

• Drupal 11 empowers developers and site builders with tools designed to simplify development, improve performance, and streamline content management.
• This upgrade sees a shift towards modern technologies and best practices, making Drupal sites more efficient and scalable.
• With key improvements to performance and the introduction of Single Directory Components (SDC), Drupal 11 elevates the development experience.
• Enhanced security measures ensure that Drupal 11 is well-equipped to handle the demands of modern web applications.
• Discover how Drupal 11 simplifies content creation and site management, making it easier to deliver exceptional digital experiences.

Introduction

The release of Drupal 11 starts a new chapter for Drupal sites. It brings many new features and improvements to update the platform. This new version gives developers, site builders, and content creators the tools they need to create great digital experiences. But when comparing Drupal 10 vs Drupal 11, what does this upgrade mean for your Drupal site?

In this blog, we will explain the main changes and improvements that come with Drupal 11. We will also talk about the upgrade path and give you a glimpse into the future of Drupal.

Exploring the Evolution from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11

Drupal 10 set the stage for the updates in Drupal 11. It introduced CKEditor 5, newer versions of PHP and Symphony, fresh core themes, and a move to modern JavaScript. Each small release of Drupal 10 helped us get closer to what Drupal 11 can do now.

Drupal 11 builds on the strong base from Drupal 10. It improves workflows for creating content and adds stronger security features. This version is a big step forward for Drupal. It aims to be more user-friendly, efficient, and secure for building the web experiences of the future.

The driving forces behind upgrading to Drupal 11

Upgrading to Drupal 11 is a smart move because of its new features, security updates, and better functionality. The improved block management, user roles, and the BigPipe module help site builders create better websites.

Upgrading is easy, and Drupal 11 works well with the latest PHP and Symfony versions. This makes it a good choice for both new and experienced developers. By adapting to the changes in Drupal 11, you can future-proof your Drupal sites.

A comparison of user experience enhancements

Drupal 11 makes it easier for both site admins and visitors. It adds new features that help everyone manage sites and share content better. The Drupal admin dashboard now has better navigation and smoother workflows. This means that all admins, no matter their skill level, can do tasks more easily.

Some major updates improve the user experience:

• Better User Role Management: There are improved permission settings. This gives more control over how different user roles work with the site.
• Simpler Content Editing: CKEditor 5 now has auto-formatting. This feature helps in creating content quickly. There’s also a new “Time Ago” format for date fields, which makes it easier for users to understand time displays.
• Easier Block Management: Handling block types and permissions is now much simpler. This cuts down on the complexity of building sites.

Additionally, updates to Drupal’s BigPipe module help to show content to users better. They cut down on page reflows and reduce loading times, which results in a faster and smoother browsing experience.

Technical Advancements in Drupal 11

Drupal 11 is designed with modern development practices and technologies. It offers better performance, scalability, and security. This helps meet the needs of the changing digital world. By using PHP 8.3 and introducing Single Directory Components, the latest version of Drupal gives developers the tools to create advanced digital experiences.

These improvements are not only about keeping up with trends. They open up new possibilities for creators. By adapting to these modern practices, Drupal stays competitive as a platform. It can support dynamic and innovative web experiences for years to come.

Improved performance and scalability features

Performance and scalability are key to creating great digital experiences. Drupal 11 meets this need with many improvements aimed at boosting your site’s performance. The updates to the BigPipe module help deliver content faster, which means quicker page loads and fewer chances of visitors leaving because the site is slow.

But Drupal 11 is not just about faster page loads. It also introduces Single Directory Components (SDC). This change shifts how Drupal themes are designed. It helps organize code better and simplifies the development process. This leads to cleaner and easier-to-manage code.

By using new development methods and technologies like SDC, Drupal 11 prepares your site for future growth and tougher challenges. These enhancements help you provide great user experiences without giving up on performance or scalability.

Enhanced security measures for modern web applications

Security is very important in today’s online world. Drupal 11 understands this well. They release regular security updates to fix any new weaknesses. This keeps the Drupal core strong and safe for your website.

Drupal 11 also cares about security outside of the core features. The community looks after and updates thousands of contributed modules. These modules add great functionality while meeting high-security standards. This helps reduce risks from old or poorly maintained modules.

When you upgrade to Drupal 11, you’re not just picking a content management system. You are choosing a secure environment. With frequent updates and a community that focuses on safe coding, Drupal 11 gives you peace of mind. You can trust that your website is ready to fight against new threats, protecting your data and your users’ data.

Introduction of new modules and themes in Drupal 11

Drupal 11 brings many new features and functions. These come from updates to the core system and a large library of contributed modules. These additions make it simpler to build dynamic and engaging web experiences.

The new Project Browser is directly in the Drupal admin dashboard. This makes it easier to find and install new modules. Users can quickly discover and add contributed modules without dealing with complicated installation steps.

Drupal 11 also provides a growing selection of themes. Site builders now have more design options. From modern themes that perform well to highly customizable ones for specific industries, Drupal 11 helps you create a unique and engaging online presence.

Key Features Removed or Deprecated in Drupal 11

As Drupal continues to develop, some features are taken away or marked for future removal. This helps create a smoother and more advanced platform. In Drupal 11, some core modules are removed because they are no longer needed or have been replaced by better technology. There are also features that will be phased out as they don’t fit the new plans for the platform.

This process makes sure that Drupal stays light, effective, and in step with current web development methods. If you use any modules that are no longer in Drupal 11, you can still install and use them even though they are not part of the core anymore.

Identifying features no longer supported

Before upgrading to Drupal 11, you need to know which Drupal core modules have been deprecated. Check the official Drupal documentation and look at your current site’s setup. This will help you find any compatibility issues you may need to fix.

Deprecation is a common part of software development. It allows for the slow removal of features, giving developers time to adjust and update to new solutions. Some deprecated modules may still work for a while after the release of Drupal 11, but it’s not a good idea to rely on them for the long term.

Instead, you should use the upgrade path that Drupal offers. This will help you switch to alternative solutions available in Drupal 11. You may need to use different modules, change your custom code, or look into new methods to get the functionality you want.

Transition strategies for deprecated functionalities

Planning for changes in features you no longer use is important to reduce issues when upgrading. Start by looking closely at the links your current site has and how version limits might affect if your modules work with Drupal 11.

Drupal provides different ways to help you upgrade smoothly. You can use the compatibility details for added modules to check if your current modules have versions that work with Drupal 11, if they need to be replaced, or if their developers need to update them.

Keeping backups of your Drupal site and databases up-to-date is very important during this process. This backup gives you a way to go back to a safe version if unexpected problems happen, which helps limit downtime and avoid losing data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrating from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11

Migrating your website from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11 can be easy. If you plan well, use the right tools, and understand the steps, your transition can go smoothly.

Start by fully backing up your current site. This will protect you from unexpected issues. Then, check the compatibility of your themes and modules. Disable or replace any that do not work with the new version of Drupal.

Preparing your Drupal 10 site for migration

Before you start the migration process, take time to get your Drupal 10 site ready for a better transition. Use the Upgrade Status module to check for any outdated code in your custom modules and themes. Fixing these issues before upgrading is very important. A tool like Drupal Rector can help speed up this process.

Next, make sure all your contributed modules and themes are new by using Composer Update. This is vital because old modules might cause problems with Drupal 11 or create security risks. Regularly updating your contributed projects helps keep your Drupal site safe and working well.

Lastly, test any custom code you have on your site to make sure it works with Drupal 11. You should run tests in a staging environment that is as similar to your live site as it can be. By finding and fixing compatibility issues early, you can reduce the chances of having problems when you upgrade your live site.

The migration process: Tools and best practices

Streamline the Drupal 10 to 11 upgrade process using command-line tools like Drush and Composer. These tools simplify the update procedure. However, if you’re unfamiliar with using the command line, consider leveraging the user interface provided by your hosting provider or seeking assistance from an experienced Drupal developer.

Tool	Description
Drush	Manages common Drupal tasks, including site installation, module updates, and more.
Composer	Manages your project’s PHP dependencies, ensuring compatibility between components.

Before initiating the upgrade process, ensure you have the latest stable versions of Drush and Composer. Deactivate contributed modules and switch to a maintenance theme within your Drupal admin dashboard to prevent compatibility issues.

Run database updates using Drush to bring your database schema in line with Drupal 11’s requirements and thoroughly test your upgraded site to ensure everything’s functioning as expected.

Post-migration checks and adjustments

After moving your site to Drupal 11, it is important to do some post-migration checks. This will help you make sure everything is working well together and that your site runs smoothly. Start by clearing Drupal’s cache. This removes any leftover data from the old version.

Then, check that any changes to the settings you made before have been moved to Drupal 11. Look at content types, views, and other settings. This helps ensure that your site’s setup and function are still the same.

Finally, test all the parts of your website. Make sure user account creation, contact forms, and eCommerce processes (if you have them) work correctly. This is key for a smooth user experience.

Conclusion

Drupal 11 has many important upgrades compared to Drupal 10. It offers a better user experience, improved performance, and stronger security. This change comes from the need for modern web apps to be both more scalable and safe. Some older features will no longer be available, but moving to the new version is easy if you prepare well and check afterward.

By upgrading to Drupal 11, you will gain access to new modules and themes. This will help you create a more efficient and secure online presence. Make the change from Drupal 10 to Drupal 11 to take advantage of the latest tech improvements. If you think about upgrading, look at our easy-to-use guide for a smooth move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of upgrading to Drupal 11?

Drupal 11 brings many advantages. It has better performance, stronger security updates, and a smoother user experience. It also allows for improved scalability. Plus, there are many new features for both developers and content editors.

Will my Drupal 10 themes and modules work in Drupal 11?

Many contributed modules will work well, but it’s important to look for updates. Custom modules may need changes. Always follow the upgrade path given for an easy transition.

How long will Drupal 10 continue to receive support?

Security updates for Drupal 10 will keep happening until Drupal 12 comes out. This release is likely to be around the middle to the end of 2026. You can check this on the Drupal core release schedule.

Can I skip Drupal 10 and upgrade directly to Drupal 11 from an earlier version?

It’s not a good idea to upgrade directly to Drupal 11. You have to follow a certain path for the upgrade because of version constraints and dependencies. First, upgrade to the latest compatible version of Drupal 10. After that, you can move to Drupal 11.